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Synonym Chooser

How is the word affable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of affable are cordial, genial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

Where would cordial be a reasonable alternative to affable?

The words cordial and affable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When can genial be used instead of affable?

The words genial and affable can be used in similar contexts, but genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When would gracious be a good substitute for affable?

The synonyms gracious and affable are sometimes interchangeable, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

In what contexts can sociable take the place of affable?

While the synonyms sociable and affable are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of affable Seated for the duration, the affable Alabama native offered nothing in the way of bells or whistles. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025 He is known for being affable but clashed with ex-manager Julen Lopetegui at half-time in the 1-1 draw against Brentford in September. Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025 Playing Toru, her romantic interest, is the affable Major Curda, who is everything Kisa is not — loose-limbed, playful and joyous. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025 Elevated to the starting lineup after center Kristaps Porzingis fell ill shortly before tipoff, the affable 7-footer scored 14 points on perfect 7-for-7 shooting; grabbed 12 rebounds, including five offensive boards; and blocked three shots. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable
Adjective
  • For instance, if a breach occurs in your main network, segmentation helps ensure that VoIP services remain unaffected.
    Ruchir Brahmbhatt, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Key Vatican functions, such as preparations for the 2025 Holy Year celebrations, remain unaffected.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But instead of being gracious, Trump booted Zelenskyy out of the White House, leaving the hero’s lunch on a tray in the hall, torpedoing his existential fight to save his battered country and Ukrainian lives.
    Maureen Dowd, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Here’s a gracious one-bedroom in North Park Slope, close to the Park and Grand Army Plaza, with an elegant layout: a big foyer, with a large living room on one side, the bedroom on the other, and a kitchen in the middle.
    Kim Velsey, Curbed, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The revelations add to the increasing evidence that the red planet once had a warmer, wetter climate as well as an ocean that covered one-third of the Martian surface — conditions that might have created a hospitable environment for life.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
  • These adaptations can include constructing flood-resistant infrastructure, developing technological innovations, or even migrating to more hospitable regions.
    Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Lola Rose showcases an eclectic mix of vintage and custom furnishings, including cozy booths, plush sofas and mid-century modern chairs, ideal for happy hour, social gatherings or casual dinners.
    Taryn White, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Even far more casual runners, cyclists, and gym-goers—anyone who’s active—can underfuel too, McConville says.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This driver encompasses the literal reasons for scented products—think masking unpleasant odors, creating a pleasant scent for your home, and making up for a lack of fresh air.
    Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2025
  • My experience with the Phone 3a Pro has been mostly pleasant.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The track’s mellow, cha-cha vibe subtly underscores the give-and-take inherent in that interplay, while Flack’s ethereal yet measured vocals indelibly outline the simple little moments that can relight Cupid’s flame.
    Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2025
  • As a public defender, life never was really mellow.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The ability to use either an AA or AAA battery is a nice touch, giving you options for weight and battery life.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Creating comedy in which the principal characters are involved in crime does require some balance — worse criminals to contrast with the nicer ones, or a deserving or faceless target, or, as here, no other option.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The then–relatively unknown Hackman played Buck Barrow, the easygoing older brother to Warren Beatty’s bank robber Clyde.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
  • For years, consumers outside Spain dismissed Cava as an easygoing, mass-market sparkling wine rather than a serious, age-worthy alternative to Champagne.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affable. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

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